Barry Zito to start a Game 4 for the SF Giants if there is one

Two years ago Barry Zito could not make a playoff roster. Now, if the Giants can win Game 3 behind Ryan Vogelsong on Tuesday night, Zito will get the ball for Game 4 and be asked to save the team’s season.

Bochy just made the announcement as the team arrived at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati for a workout. They came straight from the airport.

“He deserves it,” Bochy said

And in the staff’s mind he deserves it over Tim Lincecum, who will remain in the bullpen. Just as amazing, the two-time Cy Young award winner and 2010 postseason hero is the one member of the rotation not to get a start.

Bochy said he did consider Matt Cain on short rest for Game 4 but discounted the idea because Cain has never pitched on short rest and the history of pitchers who try isn’t very good. Moreover, Bochy could not ignore that the Giants won Zito’s last 11 starts.